Watch: President Obama’s remarks at fundraiser hosted by Ricky Martin

By AMARIS CASTILLO

At his New York City fundraiser Monday night, President Obama touched on several themes, including the country’s current economic climate and his recent endorsement of same-sex marriage.

The event, held at the Rubin Museum of Art, was co-hosted by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin in conjunction with the LGBT Leadership Council and the Austin-based FuturoFund.

Before introducing Obama, an extremely poised Martin said he felt a newfound respect for the U.S. around the globe. He said traveling has been a very different experience since 2009 (when Obama was inaugurated the 44th president of the United States).

“America is respected and admired - like our president is respected and admired,” the superstar said. “We admire his courage, like the courage he showed last week in affirming his belief in marriage equality,” said Martin.

Obama, in turn, expressed gratitude to the singer for supporting him.
 
“Those of you who haven’t caught Evita yet, go out there,” Obama said, referring to Martin’s current role in the Broadway revival. “I’m sure there are still tickets available. But you know he’s going to be spectacular in it.”

Mexican-American actress Eva Longoria was in the audience; a staunch Obama supporter who serves as a national co-chair for his reelection campaign. Longoria, and some 200 supporters paid at least $5,000 to attend.

It hasn’t been widely reported just how much money Martin’s fundraiser raked in, but if it’s anything like George Clooney’s last week, it will be plenty. Clooney’s fancy bash raised nearly $15 million for Obama.